Birds · Passeriformes · Turdidae

Mistle Thrush

Turdus viscivorus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The mistle thrush, whose scientific name is Turdus viscivorus, is a bird of the order Passeriformes and the family Turdidae. Native to Europe and part of Asia, it was described by Linnaeus in 1758. As for its taxonomy, molecular studies suggest a closer relationship to species such as T. philomelos or T. mupinensis, than to T. merula.

Weight

100 g – 160 g

Size

26 cm – 29 cm

Lifespan

21 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

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Fun facts

GeneralIt sings through a gale, which earned it the name stormcock.
Its scientific name means mistletoe eater, and it is the plant's main disperser in Europe: the seeds pass through its gut and stick to branches when the bird wipes its bill, planting them exactly where they will germinate.
A single bird can defend a berry-laden tree all winter, driving off every other thrush and securing the larder until spring.
It sings from the top of a tree in the middle of a gale, when every other bird falls silent, and that habit has earned it the English name storm cock.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Open woodland, dehesa, pine woods, olive groves and wooded farmland of Europe and western Asia
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 14 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 4 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turdus_viscivorus